Means for the production and inhalation of tobacco fumes



W. J. MCCORMICK Jan. 4, 1938.

MEANS Foa THE PRODUCTION AND INHALATION oF ToAcco FUMES File d Sept. 23, 1935 .ffwaw.

Patented Jail. 4, 1938'.-LA

' UNITED STATES MEANS FOR THE LATION OF PRODUCTION vAND INHA- TOBACCO FUMES William J. McCormick,

Can

Toronto, Ontario, ada

' Application September 23, 1935, Serial N0. 41,656

12 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in means "for the inhalation of tobacco fumes, and particularly to a form of tobacco pipe or cigarette holder for volatilizing the/active principles of tobacco for inhalation, the volatilization being effected by controlled heat of predetermined degree, rather than by ignition and combustion as generally practiced heretofore.

Prior to thispinvention tobacco smoking has been practiced for the past four hundred years in substantially the same manner as that employed originally by the American Indian, namelyz-by igniting a quantity of tobacco in a pipe or tube and yinhaling or pulling through the .air passages of the mouth, nose and lungs the hot smoke and gases produced in the combustion of the same. By this means the burning portion of `tobacco provides suflicient heat in the closely' adjoining unburned portion to liberate by distillation the volatile active principles; and these, in the form of smoke and vapour, together with the gaseous products of combustion, are carried by suction into the mouth and air passages.

The active principles, or alkaloids, of tobacco are four in number, namely: nicotine, nicotimine, nicoteine and nicotelline, of which the rst is perhaps the most potent. All four are volatile, and are known to have narcotic properties. They are generally recognized as the, ingredients in tobacco which provide such universal fascination for its devotees. On the contrary the other elements in the tobacco smoke, of which there are a great many produced by combustion and consequent high temperature distillation, have no desirable effects. Among these undesirable prod- .ucts may be mentioned carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, pyridine, ammonia, furfurol, carbolic acid and prussic acid. These not only in.-

crease the toxicity of the tobacco fumes, but they are known to have a definitely irritant action on the air passages, resulting in bronchitis and cough. The tarry ingredients in the smoke are even believedto predispose tofcancer of the lip and tongue, which are more frequently observed in smokers.

Aside from the deleterious effects of tobacco smoke on the subject who smokes, the liberated smoke is often a source of annoyance, discomfort and even physical injury tol the non-smoker, who o f necessity may be intimately associated with the smoker, as for instance in the case of the tobacco smoking mother and her young child.

The careless dropping `of lighted matches and cigarette butts, which to the heavy smoker becomes a subconscious act, is also a prolific cause of fires with resultant loss of life and property.

In the past numerous devices have been invented with the object of entrapping or lfiltering out the undesirable by-products of combustion in tobacco pipes; but none of these has proved sufficiently practicable to obtain general adoption.

The main object of myv present invention is to prevent to a great extent the formation of the undesirable elements in the smoke at their source, by providing a means of liberating the active principles of tobacco by controlled heat, sufficient in degree to volatilize the nicotine and other allied ingredients, but not suiiicient to produce combustion of the remaining organic matter;y and to adapt the application of said means. in the form of a flreless substitute for the ordinary tobacco pipe and cigarette holder.

Another object of my invention is to eliminate' to a great extent the discomfort and annoyance caused to non-smokers by liberated tobacco smoke in closed buildings and conveyances.

A further object of the the firer hazard by eliminating to a great extent the use of re and matches in the use of tobacco.

With these objects in view, as well as others that will become apparent from the following disclosure and appended claims, reference will be had to the accompanying drawing, forming a part thereof, and in which- Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, in section, of my invention as applied to an ordinary tobacco pipe.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the bowl of the pipe along the line 2--2 as indicated in Fig. 1, showing construction not visible in Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of my invention as applied to an ordinary cigarette holder.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the bowl of the cigarette holder along the line 4--4 as indicated in Fig. 3, showing construction not visible in Fig. 3, and similar to that shown in Fig. 2. y

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view, partly in section, of the thermostatic'switch indicated by the numeral 6 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 showing the working parts of same in detail.

Similar numerals refer out the several views.

Referring to the drawing:

In Fig-1 and Fig. 3 the numeral i designates the outer shell of the bowl of anj ordinary tobacco pipe or cigarette holder, as, the case may be, and 2 designates the stem or mouth-piece of the same, which is provided' with a central suction tube 4, which communicates with the bowl,

to similar 'parts throughinvention is to reduce cle for the tobacco or cigarette. Numeral 5 designates a metallic resistance coil adapted for the transmission of a suitable electric current for the production of heat, which may be wound on a tube of porcelain or other suitable insulating and heat resisting material, and is contained in an insulated chamber 9 the central cavity' of the said tube providing the aforesaid bowl or heating chamber. Numeral 6 designates a thermostatic switch which is serially connected with the said coil, and is adjusted to control or regulate within a predetermined degree of variation the heat produced. No. I designates the electric terminals of the heating circuit which may be adapted for connection with a suitable source of electrical energy either by iiexible cord as indicated or by a fixed plug and detachable cord connector secured to the base of the tobacco pipe or cigarette holder. The insulated chamber 9 is divided into two portions by the partitions II which extend the full length of the 'coil 5, on either side of the bowl 3. No. 8 designates an air inlet communicating with one portion of the chamber 9, which in turn has an outlet I communicating with the bowl 3. No. I2 designates a closely fitting removable cover cap for the bowl 3, which may be hinged to the same or otherwise held in position. No. I3 designates another air inlet which communicates with the other portion or subdivision of the chamber 9, which in turn has -an outlet I4 communicating with the suction tube 4 near its connection to base of the bowl 3.

The thermostatic switch, as shown in Fig. 5, is of the type in general use for the heat conti )l of small heating appliances, and consists essentially of a thermosensitive bimetallic element I 6, brass on one side I'I and iron on the other side I8. A non-corrosive metallic terminal contact point I5 is adjusted for contact with a metallic insert of like material positioned directly opposite in the bimetallic element, whereby make and break of the electric current is effected within a predetermined range of temperature variation as a result of the uneven expansion of the constituents ofthe bimetallic element. One end of this element is secured in fixed position by the screw I9 to which is attached the wire terminal 20, the other wire terminal being connected at I5 as shown.` No. 2l designates an insulating plate to prevent short circuiting in the switch.

In the following description of the operation of my invention the attainment of my objectives is obviously shown:

The bowl 3 of the pipe or cigarette holder is filled with tobacco or a cigarette, as the case may be. The cover cap I2 is then placed in position over the top or distal end, and an electric connection is made with a energy through the agency of the terminal 1.- The metallic coil 5, which is adapted to transmit a suitable wattage of electrical current, then develops heat, which is maintained within a predetermined range of temperature by the action of the thermostatic switch 6. The heat thus produced is transmitted by conduction to the tobacco contained in the bowl 3, resulting in the volatilization of the nicotine and allied ingredients of the tobacco. In practice a temperature approximating the boiling point of nicotine between 200 and 225 centigrade, is found to be suiilcient to produce this result without producing the combustion of the tobacco proper. I f, then, suction is applied to the mouthpiece, after the ordinary manner of tobacco smoking, the volatile content suitable source of electrical A l Likewise, in momentary intervals 2,104,268 or heating chamber, 3 which serves as a receptaof the bowl or heating chamber 3 is drawn into the mouth and air passages of the respiratory tract, while at the same time new air is drawn through the inlets 8 and I3 into the subdivisions of the insulated chamber 9. The air entering at inlet 8 passes in the direction of the arrows over that portion of the heating coil 5 in one of 'the subdivisions of the chamber 9 where it is preheated, and enters the bowl 3 through the outlet IIi. This preheated air then passes along through the heated tobacco or cigarette, resulting in a more even distribution of heat through the same than would be otherwise possible, and consequently liberating more completely the volatile ingredientsf 'I'he air entering at inlet I3 passes in the direction of the arrows over that portion of the heating coil 5 in the other subdivision of the chamber 9 where it is preheated, and enters the suction tube 4 at the outlet I4 to serve as a means of diluting the tobacco fumes before entering the respiratory tract. The preheating of this latter air current serves to minil .mize condensation of the fumes in the stem 2.

In order to regulate the degree of concentration of the tobacco fumes the relative flow of air through the two inlets, 3 and I3, may be regulated by partially closing either inlet with the fingers or by means of small adjustable dampers; or the relative size of these inlets may be fixed to suit the requirements oi' the average tobacco user.

When the volatile elements in the tobacco have been thus exhausted the cover cap I2 may be taken off, the residue removed, and a fresh supply inserted in the heating chamber.

The pronounced advantages and possibilities of practical adaption of this invention are readily apparent. The selective action of thermostatically controlled heat, whereby the active principles of tobacco in volatile form are liberated for inhalation without combustion is of prime importance for the reasons previously mentioned. By the installation of a system of special electric wiring to each seat in public halls and conveyances, as for instance in theatres, motor buses and railway trains, the use of this invention could be made the means of preventingmutual discomfortof tobacco habitus land non-smokers; since by this invention the habitual user of tobanco could practice his accustomed indulgence without material discomfort to others, while the elimination of fire and matches would be a great factor in public safety.

Another pronounced advantage of the practice of this invention is the material economy effected in the consumption of tobacco. 'I'he tobacco is fully utilized until all the volatile ingredients are exhausted, there being no discarded portions as is the case with cigar and cigarette smoking.

when the device is not in use the tobacco does not continue to be consumed as is the case with the burning cigar or cigarette; but instead, the volatile ingredients are retained in a closed chamber and utilized onlyas required. By this invention a given quantity of tobacco can b e made to produce the effect of a much larger quantity Asmoked in the ordinary way.

While the practice of this invention is shown and described as adapted to the construction of the ordinary tobacco pipe or cigarette holder, this is merely the preferred form of the invention as applied to existing practices. It is-readily conceivable that various modifications of the invention' are feasible. to meet varying require- Cal and to this central unit a a,1o4, a'ee heated'by/the heating means; and a second con--` ments without-departing from the basic principles of the same. To illustrate: A stationary "unit," embodying the essential features of this invention, might the receptacle; and automatic means adapted lor'.

controlling the electric heating means to mainltain the tobacco at a temperature sufficient to. liberate volatile constituents but below the temperature for initiating combustion. 2. Means for the production and co; an air conduit whereby air may be drawn through the receptacle for inhalation; and electric means for heating `the tobacco in the receptacle including a resistance element adapted to transmit heat conductively through the wall ci the receptacle to the tobacco.

3. Means for the production and inhalation of tobacco fumes comprising a receptacle for tobacco; an air conduit whereby air may be drawn through thereceptacle for inhalation; and electric means for heating the tobacco in the receptacle including a resistance element adapted to transmit heat conductively through the wall of the receptacle to the tobacco, 'the air conduit including a portion leading to the inlet end of the receptacle and positioned to be heated by the resistance element.

4. Means for the production and inhalation of tobacco fumes comprising a receptacle for tobacco; an air conduit whereby air may be drawn through the receptacle for inhalation; electric means for heating the tobacco in the receptacle including a resistance velement adapted to transmit heat conductively through the wall of the receptacle to the tobacco, theair conduit including a portion leading to the inlet end of the receptacle and positioned to be heated by the resistance element; and a second air conduit also positioned to be heated by the resistance element, communicating with the atmosphere at one end and at-its other end with that part of the first mentioned conduit through which pass vaix' and fumes from the receptacle.

5. Means for the production and inhalation of tobacco fumes comprising a receptacle for tobacco; an air conduit whereby air may be drawn through the receptacle for inhalation; electric means for heating the tobacco in the receptacle, the air conduit including a portion leading to the inlet end ofthe receptacle and positioned to be heated by the heating means; and auto vmatic means'adapted for controlling the electric heating. `1` r1eans to maintain the tobacco at a temperature sufficient to liberate volatile constituents but below the temperature for initiating combustion of the tobacco'.

6. 'Means for the production and inhalation of tobacco fumes comprising` a receptacle for tobacco; an air conduit whereby air may be drawn through the receptacle for inhalation; 'electric means for heating the tobacco in the receptacle,

i the air conduit including a portion leading to the inlet end of the receptacle and positioned to inhalation of tobacco fiunes comprising a receptacle for tobac-` duit also positioned to be `heated by the heating means, communicating with the atmosphere at one end and at its other end with that part of 4the rst mentioned conduit through which pass air-and fumes from the receptacle.

7. Means for the production and inhalation of tobacco fumes comprising a receptacle for tof bacco; means adapted for the passage of lair through the said receptacle and for communica-- to maintain the tobacco at a predetermined temperature, suilcient in degree to vliberate the volatileconstituentsof the tobaccobut below the temperature for initiating' .tombu stin of the tobacco; ,and means for modifying the concentration of the volatile productsiprior to exit from' the device.` y l y 8; Means for the production and inhalation of tobacco fum'es comprising a receptacle for to-` bacco; means adapted for the passage of air through `the said receptacle andfor communication with the human respiratorytract; an electric heating element adapted to preheat the air before it passesvthrough the receptacle and to transmit heat by conductionl to the tobacco; a

' thermostatically controlled switch in circuit with the heating element for controlling the heatto maintain the tobacco lat a"predetermined temperature, 'sulcie'nt in degree to liberate the volatile lconstituents of `the tobacco" but below the temperature for-initiating combustion of the tobacco; and means kfor modifying/the concentration of the volatile products by the admixture of preheated airlprior to exitlfrom the device.'

l 9. Means for the production and inhalation ofi vtobacco fumes comprising a receptacle for tobacco; a suction tube communicating withthe lower end of the receptacle an air chamber about the said receptacle divided longitudinally by partitions into two parts, one part having an air inlet adjacent its lower end and at its upper end communicating with the upper endof the receptaole, while the other part has also an airA inlet and at its lower end communicates with the suction tube; and an electric heating element positioned in said air chamber adapted to heat air passing through the chamber and to transmit heat conductively to the tobacco in the receptacle.

10. Means for the production and inhalation of tobacco fumes comprising a receptacle for tobacco; a suction tube communicating with the .lower end of the receptacle; an air chamberl about the .said receptacle divided longitudinally by partitions into two parts, one part havingy an air inlet adjacent its lower end and at its upper end communicating vwith the upper end of the receptacle while the other` part has also an air inlet and at its lower end communicates with the suction tuberan electric vheating element positioned in saidairchamber adapted to heat air passing through'sth chamber and to transmit heat conductively to the tobacco in tacle; and a thermostatically controlled switch in the said chamber and in circuit with the heating element for controlling the heat to maintain the tobacco at a temperature suilicient to liberate volatile constituents but below the temperature for initiating combustion.

11. Means for the production and inhalation of tobacco fumes comprising a receptacle for to the recep.-

bacco; an air conduit whereby air may be drawn through the receptacle for inhalation; and eiectric'means fm heating the tobacco in the recep" bacca; means adapted for the passage of air ythrough the said receptacle and for communicaytion with the human respiratory tract; means for preheating the air before it passes through the receptacle and for applying heat by conduction to the tobacco; and means for controlling theheat to maintain the tobacco at a predetermined temperature, sucient in degree to liberate the volatile constituents of the tobacco but below the temperature for initiating combustion.

WILLIAM J. MQCORMICK. 

